    Today is the day that the United States celebrates labor, focusing on the contributions of the worker to the economy and the wellbeing of this nation. Yet, it seems that such a celebration, while laudable, somehow misses the point of the greater celebration that the United States should participate in, which is the celebration of a free market economy and republican democratic government that allows every American to achieve whatever status he is willing to work for- in other words, the celebration of capitalism.
    The celebration of the worker reaches back to a time when socialistic forces were trying to place the worker at the top of the political heap by claiming that the forces of capitalism were unchecked agents of oppression and tyranny. Ironically, these forces of socialism were able to relatively peacefully make these claims because they were made in a nation founded on the notions of the free exchange of ideas and the open path to success for anyone who is willing to work toward that success.
    The truth is that the celebration of labor in the United States is a celebration of the free market capitalism that allows businesses and industries to hire workers, that allows workers to work as hard as they wish to get ahead, and that allows businesses, industries, and workers to spend, invest, and save their money as they see fit. Without those factors, the celebration of labor would actually be the celebration of the socially unemployed that takes place on May 1st in so many other countries around the world.
    Granted, the American economy could be so much better than it currently is. The modern economy suffers from the malaise of over taxation, over regulation, and a general attitude among so may American citizens that it is the government’s responsibility to take care of them. As a result, the economy labors harder than it needs to, trying to produce the growth and the jobs that any free market economy can in infinite quantity even while being restrained. Ironically, these restraints are exactly what the socialist leaders who established Labor Day wanted and are exactly what is slowly destroying the economies of Europe.
    That reality of destruction is exactly why Labor Day should be a celebration of the amazing freedom and capacity of a free market economy. Labor Day should be the day that Americans remember that they have at their disposal the most remarkable economy that has ever existed. Americans should take the time to remind themselves that this economy is theirs, a result of their tireless effort and devotion to making a better life for themselves and their families. Labor Day should be a day that renews the calls for shrinking the government, lowering taxes, and maximizing the freedoms that we all enjoy.
    So this Labor Day, take the time to consider not just the workers, but also the system in which they work. Consider for a moment the amazing blessing of the free market and all that it entails. Then consider how each of us can be a part of preserving and expanding that system so that this and future generations can enjoy the same benefits that we currently enjoy. When all of that considering is done, do something about it. That is exactly what Labor Day should be about.
DLH
Economists of the world, unite!
Good Post.